No Ordinary Time

Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II

By: Doris Kearns Goodwin

Narrated by: Nelson Runger

Pulitzer Prize Winner, History, 1995

No Ordinary Time describes how the isolationist and divided United States of 1940 was unified under the extraordinary leadership of Franklin Roosevelt to become the preeminent economic and military power in the world.

Using diaries, interviews, and White House records of the president's and first lady's comings and goings, Goodwin paints an intimate portrait of the daily conduct of the presidency during wartime and the Roosevelts' extraordinary constellation of friends, advisers, and family.

Bringing to bear the tools of both history and biography, No Ordinary Time relates the unique story of how Franklin Roosevelt led the nation to victory against seemingly insurmountable odds and, with Eleanor's essential help, forever changed the fabric of American society.

©1995 Doris Kearns Goodwin, All Rights Reserved. (P)2011 Simon & Schuster

Women's voices

Would you listen to No Ordinary Time again? Why?

No. I'm nearly done and anxious for it to be over. The narrator's voices for the characters quickly grew annoying and never got better.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Nelson Runger?

David McCullough.

Any additional comments?

I wish I could have speeded up the narration to 1.25-1.5.

The Past at Present

Perceptive narration about important events of the Second World War, a period I remember well, as I am now 93. I've read numerous books about the Roosevelts, their associates, and the war, and find that the author sheds new light upon all of them. ER, in particular, came to life in a manner very different from any I've encountered elsewhere. The narration by Nelson Runger was also stellar. While some other readers have found him too slow, I found him just right. His reading was enlivened by his ability to subtly suggest (rather than imitate) the accents and intonations of the various characters.

More Eleanor Please

I've always wanted to read Doris Kearns Goodwin on Franklin Roosevelt. Goodwin is one of the best Historians out there. Currently, I'm watching The First Lady on Showtime, and one of the characters that they are featuring is Eleanor Roosevelt. Reading "No Ordinary Time" gave me more insight into FDR, but I found myself to be more engaged with Eleanor and her story. The last few chapters in the memoir of the First Lady were more appealing than reading about the President.

A separation of the myth of FDR from reality.

This is an extremely long listen, but well worth it. So much of what we "know" of FDR and Eleanor is propoganda and myth. This is nit a "tell all", but a sincere look at the realities that were the well-lived lives of this amazing couple, who both had a hand in changing how Americans think, work, and play.

What a nice surprise!

This is a book club selection and I wasn't sure that I was going to want to read it but boy was I wrong! I found it well written, real performed, and the content with all sorts of interesting information inserted into the facts of the Roosevelts. I am looking forward to our book club discussion!

Eleanor is my hero

I have always admired the Roosevelt's; now my admiration has grown. They were amazing, inspired leaders at a time our nation needed them most. I like the true picture this author shares.

Beautiful!,

As usual, Doris Kearns Goodwin,has put on paper a glimpse into the lives of two of this countries most important, most unselfish, and most generous with time and talent.

Among the very best.

One of the best books I have read. Great history with great study of personality.

Goodwin brings the people and challenges to life!

Would you listen to No Ordinary Time again? Why?

Once again, Doris Kearns Goodwin brings history to life through exemplary research and a way of telling the facts that makes you feel you are there. Nelson Runger made each character distinct and true. It is hard to believe the state our country was in when FDR took office: all of the domestic problems we had and how unprepared we were for war. I will go back again and again to impress more facts on my memory. With his great political mind and her great heart they brought us through to victory although he died prior to VJ Day.

Who was your favorite character and why?

It is too hard to pick just one.

Which character – as performed by Nelson Runger – was your favorite?

Winston Churchill

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Could not possibly listen to it in one sitting.

Incredible Research

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I highly recommend. I learned much about the mood of our country at this time period and the challenges that FDR had to face from home as well as abroad. Aslo learned much about Eleanor Roosevelt's importance.

What about Nelson Runger’s performance did you like?

The book is big, takes some time, but well read, you could almost hear the character's voice coming through Nelson Runger's naration.